Just in time for Halloween, Lionsgate is sinking its teeth into the horror genre with The Teenage Vampire, a new thriller that trades in classic vampire tropes for a modern twist. The first trailer has just dropped, and it's already dripping with blood and suspense. The film will be available on digital and video on demand starting October 27, giving horror fans a perfect pre-Halloween treat.
The story centers on Sandra (Jazlyn Nicolette Sward, known for Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), a recent high school graduate eager to enjoy the summer of her life in Los Angeles. She stumbles upon what seems like a dream come true: a Hollywood Hills bungalow available for an unbelievably low rent. Despite her mother's warnings, Sandra moves in, charmed by the friendly landlord Viktor (James Chalke, Dead Trigger), who conveniently is never around during the day.
But this idyllic setup hides a sinister secret. Viktor and his lover Isabelle (Spice Williams-Crosby, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier) are vampires, and they've set their sights on Sandra's circle of friends. What starts as a summer bash quickly turns into a nightmare as the party becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet for the undead. And Sandra is in for an even more chilling fate: Viktor seems to have known her for ages, and he possesses decades-old photographs of a woman who looks exactly like her.
Directed by Frank Mora (Angels' Fire), who co-wrote the script with Asif Akbar (Nevada Heist), The Teenage Vampire also stars Kelly Lynn Reiter (Deadlock), Courtney Akbar (Clown Fear), and Michael Cervantes (Night Carnage). The film is a production of Grindstone Entertainment, with Lionsgate handling distribution.
If you're a fan of vampire lore and looking for a fresh take, this one promises a mix of teen angst, real estate intrigue, and classic bloodsucking horror. The trailer teases a stylish, modern horror that plays on the idea of the perfect LA rental—a concept that's scary enough on its own, even before the vampires show up.
For those who can't get enough of Lionsgate's horror offerings this October, the studio is also releasing Beware Boiúna, a creature feature from Mike P. Nelson, director of last year's Silent Night, Deadly Night remake. That film stars Kiana Madeira (Fear Street), Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day), and Logan Marshall-Green (Upgrade) as aid workers hunted by a giant serpent in the Amazon. It hits theaters on October 2.
While you wait for The Teenage Vampire, you might want to check out some other thrilling options. For instance, why Peacock's Vampire Academy deserves a second life on streaming is a great pick for vampire enthusiasts. Or if you're in the mood for more supernatural scares, Fallout 76's new season unleashes a bloody slasher mystery that might just satisfy your craving for horror.
With its blend of teen drama and horror, The Teenage Vampire is shaping up to be a must-watch for the spooky season. Mark your calendars for October 27, and get ready for a bloody good time.
